What is the main distinction between massed and distributed practice?

The main distinction between massed and distributed practice lies in the length of time taken between practice efforts or repetitions. In massed practice, individuals engage in extended sessions of practice with short or no breaks between repetitions, leading to a concentrated but potentially less effective learning experience due to fatigue. In contrast, distributed practice incorporates longer breaks between practice sessions, allowing for rest, recovery, and better processing of the skills being learned.

This distinction is critical because the effectiveness of skill acquisition and retention is often enhanced with distributed practice. By allowing time for reflection and reinforcement, learners can better assimilate information and improve their performance. Understanding the difference in timing between the two methods supports golf professionals in structuring practice routines that maximize players' improvement and skill retention. Thus, focusing on the duration between shots is essential for optimizing practice strategies in a golf operations context.